Happier at Home

I recently read Gretchen Rubin's Happier at Home. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like this book at the outset. Initially, the book wasn't what I thought it would be.

Rubin's premise is that she would be happier in general if she were happier in her own home. She started by rethinking her possessions. I didn't connect with this point. It seemed too "surface" to me - make "shrines" to things you love, pare down the things you don't need, read manuals so you can use what you have well. I almost shelved the book at this point.

Rubin transitioned to relationships - starting with marriage in the next chapter. Her ideas aren't profound, and occasionally she seems a bit self-focused. However, the simplicity of her suggestions are things that I can do in my own home.

Some of my favorites: give "gold stars" (words of encouragement to your spouse), go on adventures with your children, give warm greetings and farewells, respond to the spirit of a well-intentioned gift (even if you don't love it), celebrate holiday breakfasts.

Happier at Home isn't a traditional "help" book. It doesn't equip you to solve struggles in your marriage or family. But, it does offer practical, simple ideas to increase your happiness as well as the happiness of your family. And, it will remind you that all relationships take work.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.